Propane Relief For Western NC After Hurricane Helene

February 21, 2025 | Blog, Featured

41,000+ Gallons of Fuel Donated After Hurricane Helene

In September 2024, the Southeast was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Homes and businesses were washed away, thousands were displaced, and over 200 lives were lost. Among the hardest-hit areas were our neighbors in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a region that had not experienced flooding of this magnitude since The Great Flood of 1916. In times of catastrophe, communities must come together to support one another. That’s exactly what we witnessed in Western North Carolina, and at Bumgarner Oil, we knew we had to do our part. As a fuel provider since 1954, we not only recognized the urgent need to get heating oil and propane up the mountain to our customers, but we also understood that recovery would be a long road—especially with winter quickly approaching.

In the weeks following the storm, our team worked tirelessly to assist our customers and ensure fuel deliveries reached distribution sites. As the scale of the need became clear, we organized the first of many propane giveaways on October 4 in Boone, NC. Local residents from Boone and surrounding areas were able to bring propane tanks (up to 100 lbs.) and have them filled free of charge.

Our dedicated propane drivers, Cody and Hank, along with their wives, at the first propane giveaway on October 4. They spent the day filling tanks and connecting with residents who were rebuilding their lives in the wake of the disaster.

Hank Amedio, Propane Dispatch Supervisor, has worked every propane giveaway we’ve hosted. His heart for serving others is inspiring to all who encounter him. Hank reflected on the experience. “At first, it wasn’t easy to reach some areas. I have driven down washed-out roads, around downed trees and power lines, and crossed temporary bridges. I’ve seen the heartbreaking devastation firsthand—something words can’t fully describe. It has been a truly humbling experience that I’ll never forget.”

As of February 2025, Bumgarner Oil has facilitated 11 propane giveaways across various locations in the mountains of Western North Carolina. In addition, we’ve partnered with local nonprofits to fill propane cylinders for distribution centers providing critical aid. In total, Bumgarner Oil has donated more than 41,000 gallons of fuel products have been donated to help families in need.

“I’ve exchanged hugs, handshakes, and tears with so many people, all thankful for us and the blessings our company has brought.,” Hank said. “It’s important to me that we always pray for the people we’ve helped, for every tank we’ve filled and every family we’ve met. I would do it again and again, because it gives me the chance to share God’s love through our giving and ensure another family has hot food or warmth in their home.”

We are especially grateful for our partnership with Carolina Relief, whose support has been instrumental in making these events possible. Their dedication has allowed us to expand our outreach and serve even more communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, what started as a single event has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined. Fueling our community has always been at the heart of what we do, and we are deeply humbled by the ways God has used us as a vessel to reach those in need in Western NC.

Following one of our recent propane giveaways in Weaverville, our Vice President, Zach Bumgarner, spoke with Fox News to share more about our relief efforts in the mountains of Western North Carolina. As of that event, we had donated over 22,000 gallons of propane to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Fox News Coverage